"I wonder," she said, "if I could take some things with me. Is it
impossible for me to carry a bag?"

"Yes, but not for me."

"It would be only this." She held up a small Russia leather affair
legibly marked with Mrs. Inness' initials.

"I will take it," said Geoffrey. His faith was sorely tried.

She moved about collecting things and packing, and presently remarked:

"But if Billy is all right, why didn't he come for me himself?"

"Oh, because--" Geoffrey hesitated an instant, and her fears interpreted
the pause.

"He's hurt. You are keeping it from me. You are deceiving me."

"I would scorn to deceive you," said Geoffrey with passion, and looked
at her to find some answer to the reverse question which he did not put
into words.

She did not appear to understand. "Then why didn't he come?" she asked.

"He had been out in the storm already. I thought it was my turn."

"I think you must be stronger than Billy." She cast a reflective glance
at his shoulders, and he was ashamed to find himself inordinately